Racism is alive and stronger than ever in Glendale

[hyebruin]

Two nights ago I was shopping at Ralphs on the corner of central and stocker up in the northern Glendale area. It was a rather busy friday night and in front of me were 3 other armenian customers, two of whom were talking to each other in armenian while their little kid was throwing outendless 'barev barev barev barev' s at every one around him...(i guess that's all he knew how to say)...anyways so I don't know exactly what took place but somehow the item divider got lost or moved between these two customers and as the cashier (middle aged unhappy looking anglo guy) was trying to ring up the items for the family in front of me, the father (the one who had been talking with his friend in line in front of him) alerted the cashier to not mix up his items with those of the customer in front of him. Now I was observing all of this very carefully and paying close attention to all and any body language.

Well, well, what do you know! Our anglo friend here became almost irate that this customer caused him such inconvenience that he now had to void 2 or 3 items! a lot of huffin and puffin under his breath accompanied by shaking his head and a very condescending body language which was very obviously noticeable by anyone who looked at his face for 2 or 3 seconds!

I thought that was rude and deep down I knew this bastard got pissed off 'cause they were speaking in armenian; how little did I know that that was not the end of it!

He had to ask someone for help and when the colleague came over to help, this SOB had the audacity to say IN FRONT of the armenian customer who had his wife as well as his son with him that "he was too busy talking to realize he had to use a divider" (or some sh!t like that).

At this point I was fuming mad inside (what's sad is that these people in front of me had NOOOOOOOO clue what was going on!) that I approached the cashier with this stern focused look in my eyes waiting for any inappropriate move on his part; I was so ready to tear him to pieces if he had made a comment to me about them or had given ME a look or anything like that; I was staring him down when I got to the register and upon seeing no inappropriate speech or movement I paid, grabbed my stuff and walked out without acknowledging his 'thank you' or anything!

But if he hadn't stopped when he did, I wouldn't have remained so docile either; I certainly would not have made a scene! that's just not me; but I would have calmly and with determination given him a comeback that would make him think really hard next time he felt the urge to disrespect people--ANY PEOPLE-- like that!

[NarEkoO]

1. what is Anglo
2. what is Irate?

[thedebutante]

Hmmm, I kinda know what you're saying but it seems to me that you're making too many assumptions here. Based on what you described, you're only assuming that he got pissed because they were speaking Armenian. Anyway, I don't really see anything racist about this situation. I'm sure that throughout the day, a whole bunch of people don't use dividers and this cashier has to go through the same xxxx all the time and it pisses him off. I'd get pissed off too. But maybe we had to be there to know what you're talking about. I dont know.

[thedebutante]

1. what is Anglo
2. what is Irate?

What is Webster?

[NarEkoO]

What is Webster?
truth be told, i have no clue..

[Harut82]

1. what is Anglo
2. what is Irate?


Anglo An English-speaking person, especially a white North American who is not of Hispanic or French descent.

Irate Extremely angry

[NarEkoO]

t
h
a
n
k
s.

[Harut82]

truth be told, i have no clue..

btw. this is webster http://www.m-w.com/

[NarEkoO]

btw. this is webster http://www.m-w.com/
oh holly xxxx..it's a dictionary!

[thedebutante]

oh holly xxxx..it's a dictionary!


Hahahahahahahaha. It's holy not holly. It'll help you with spelling too.

[patlajan]

Hmmm, I kinda know what you're saying but it seems to me that you're making too many assumptions here. Based on what you described, you're only assuming that he got pissed because they were speaking Armenian. Anyway, I don't really see anything racist about this situation. I'm sure that throughout the day, a whole bunch of people don't use dividers and this cashier has to go through the same xxxx all the time and it pisses him off. I'd get pissed off too. But maybe we had to be there to know what you're talking about. I dont know.

I'm gonna agree with that. Ask anyone that has worked in retail. Customers can be a pain in the ass. Ever think that the cashier felt disrespected? People usually treat them like crap.

I don't know what it is about retail stores, that makes customers think they can yell at the employees. If you're not happy, there's probably a store within walking distance that sells the same thing. But nooooo they just have to let you know how furious they are.

On the other hand talking back to customers is not acceptable.

[Inna]

Racism is alive and stronger everywhere not just in Glendale, and its not just towards Armenians, its towards everybody and anybody who is a minority in any particular neighborhood, city, town, country, etc.

[thedebutante]

I'm gonna agree with that. Ask anyone that's worked in retail. Customers can be a pain in the ass. Ever think that the cashier felt disrespected? People usually treat them like crap.

Ya, I mean, what Bruin is saying is totally valid. I've seen it happen many times. But this situation she describes does not strike me as particularly racist.

[NarEkoO]

Hahahahahahahaha. It's holy not holly. It'll help you with spelling too.
thanks kind one!

[thedebutante]

thanks kind one!


No problem buddy.

[Crimson Glow]

There have been countless occassions that have made me want to strangle customers. There is nothing like working retail to totally diminish what little faith you had in the intelligence and integrity of the human race. I'm astonished that some of these people are able to breathe on their own, let alone perform more difficult day to day life functions. Getting frustrated and fed up with a customer's incompetence is not racism. They just happened to be Armenian, so you picked up on the cashier's reaction. However, as any retailer will tell you, the cashier's repsonse was idiotic towards anyone. If I ever acted like that in front of a customer, I'd be canned in a heartbeat.

[hyebruin]

anyways, back to the topic: this dude had no problem or inhibitions about hididing his anger or accusing the customers of 'talkin too much'--i was there and i could see! HE WAS ANNOYED! they were speaking kind o' loud but not too loud; i can almost guarantee one thing! he would not have made a comment like that if the customer was black! cuz he knew he'd never hear the end of it!

[Anonymouse]

anyways, back to the topic: this dude had no problem or inhibitions about hididing his anger or accusing the customers of 'talkin too much'--i was there and i could see! HE WAS ANNOYED! they were speaking kind o' loud but not too loud; i can almost guarantee one thing! he would not have made a comment like that if the customer was black! cuz he knew he'd never hear the end of it!

For all we know he might have had a bad day. Hardly "racist" from what you yourself described. It could be his wife told him she is getting a divorce during his lunch break and that she's been banging the bag boy that works right in his supermarket. But it's still not an excuse to be an ass.

[thedebutante]

anyways, back to the topic: this dude had no problem or inhibitions about hididing his anger or accusing the customers of 'talkin too much'--i was there and i could see! HE WAS ANNOYED! they were speaking kind o' loud but not too loud; i can almost guarantee one thing! he would not have made a comment like that if the customer was black! cuz he knew he'd never hear the end of it!


Good point. Bruin why didn't you say something? I mean, nothing mean or anything. But you know, there are other ways to show that you noticed it.

[gevo]

In my opinion, i dont think racism is stronger than ever these days... i do think however there still are plenty f racist people.. and Armenians, for that matter, are very racist themselves (for the most part, and the older generation).. I dont look at cases of racism and say "oh this country is the most racist..etc..." because throughout history we can see how racism has become a lesser significant matter.. as for this specific case.. this is what i would have done... I would have approached form behind in more or less defense of the Armenians, and i would simply tell the cashier that the divider was accidently misplaced and he had no reason to get so irritated.. so instead of looking for the opprtunity to pounce.. id rather calm the situation.. life has many more important things to pounce on... aka.. "the mooon". *ok.. for those of you who didnt get it.. i will insert :naughty: smiley now ) :D

[GSTracer05]

Big deal, so the cashier was a little moody. It's Ralphs, not the Ritz Carlton. Maybe the guy shouldnt have been talking so much and been focused on using a "divider" so the error could have been avoided. On top of that, I think it's rude to be speaking a different language next to someone who does not understand that language. If i was behind this family, I would have simply advised them to use a divider so they wouldnt hold up the line. You're getting worked up over nothing and I don't see anything having to do with racism in the scenario.

[hyebruin]

it's interesting to see how NONE of you were there, but ALL of you are so sure of what was going throught the guy's head! well i was there and it's just the energy about him and the total disrespect he had for the customers and his whole approach...if it's too painful for you all to believe, then don't!

[GSTracer05]

Obviously we do not know what's going on in the guy's head. We are presenting our views based on your post missy. :) If I were you, I would have been like, would you people hurry this line up!

[Anonymouse]

it's interesting to see how NONE of you were there, but ALL of you are so sure of what was going throught the guy's head! well i was there and it's just the energy about him and the total disrespect he had for the customers and his whole approach...if it's too painful for you all to believe, then don't!

Ok, you were there. You described exactly what was there. He didn't sound racist. Remember, I made my point based on what YOU wrote. Your personal intuitive feelings are your own, as none of us can confirm that. Cheers :).

[hyebruin]

ok, this thread has outlived its lifetime.

[Anonymouse]

ok, this thread has outlived its lifetime.

Just like humanity.

[violette829]

Big deal, so the cashier was a little moody. It's Ralphs, not the Ritz Carlton. Maybe the guy shouldnt have been talking so much and been focused on using a "divider" so the error could have been avoided. On top of that, I think it's rude to be speaking a different language next to someone who does not understand that language. If i was behind this family, I would have simply advised them to use a divider so they wouldnt hold up the line. You're getting worked up over nothing and I don't see anything having to do with racism in the scenario.


I have to agree with you Mr. Racer. However, if Armenian's the only language they speak, should they just shut up the entire time they are in line? Hmm...::raises right eyebrow:: :confused:

[Siggie]

anyways, back to the topic: this dude had no problem or inhibitions about hididing his anger or accusing the customers of 'talkin too much'--i was there and i could see! HE WAS ANNOYED! they were speaking kind o' loud but not too loud; i can almost guarantee one thing! he would not have made a comment like that if the customer was black! cuz he knew he'd never hear the end of it!

Perhaps he said that because he knew they wouldn't understand it, not because they were Armenian. I didn't see anythign racist about your story.

[GSTracer05]

I have to agree with you Mr. Racer. However, if Armenian's the only language they speak, should they just shut up the entire time they are in line? Hmm...::raises right eyebrow:: :confused:

No my dear. They should speak only loud enough so that they can hear, not people nearby. Whispering at times wont kill them either. We both know most Armenians are loud when it comes to their conversation skills and they pay no attention to their surroundings. At least that's what I've observed at my current job and while I went to CSUN. :) Oh, and the name's Andrew...Mr. Racer just sounds corny and weird.

[violette829]

No my dear. They should speak only loud enough so that they can hear, not people nearby. Whispering at times wont kill them either. We both know most Armenians are loud when it comes to their conversation skills and they pay no attention to their surroundings. At least that's what I've observed at my current job and while I went to CSUN. :) Oh, and the name's Andrew...Mr. Racer just sounds corny and weird.

What are you talking about loud? We're not loud!!! LMAO

Nice to meet you Mr. Andrew. :laugh:

[GSTracer05]

Hahaha. Sure sure.

Likewise Viollete. :)

[violette829]

Hahaha. Sure sure.

Likewise Viollete. :)

:( right name, wrong spelling.

[GSTracer05]

:( right name, wrong spelling.

I'm Sorry. Violette. Just woke up :) heh. Better?

[hyebruin]

well, now it's clear to me why so much racism does exist towards armenians, and it's because there's so much denial about it. i don't care what you all believe or 'think'---i know what i saw and i know how this grouchy racist would have reacted had there been two anglo customers in front of him; he greeted me but he totally ignored these people in front of me! now, for all the 'smart' ones out there, i am NOT contradicting myself here! he greeted me 'cuz he saw the look on my face and how vigilant and observant i was! had i gotten on my cell and started talking in armenian he would have given me the same crappy dis-service.

these days racism and prejudice are usually so subtle that you almost got to look for it to see it!

i.e. have you ever noticed how physical contact is avoided with certain races when dealing with money? instead of putting the change in their hands, the cashier puts the change on the counter? i know it sounds 'crazy' but it's not! that's what i thought the first time a friend told me this; but when you pay attention to the little things there's a lot there! and it reflects the changing times; you don't see burning crosses on the front lawn these days! no moron could miss that, but it's really easy to overlook the subtle 'nicer' forms of racism.

[TigranJamharian]

theres nothing wrong with racism.

[Siggie]

well, now it's clear to me why so much racism does exist towards armenians, and it's because there's so much denial about it. i don't care what you all believe or 'think'---i know what i saw and i know how this grouchy racist would have reacted had there been two anglo customers in front of him; he greeted me but he totally ignored these people in front of me! now, for all the 'smart' ones out there, i am NOT contradicting myself here! he greeted me 'cuz he saw the look on my face and how vigilant and observant i was! had i gotten on my cell and started talking in armenian he would have given me the same crappy dis-service.

these days racism and prejudice are usually so subtle that you almost got to look for it to see it!

i.e. have you ever noticed how physical contact is avoided with certain races when dealing with money? instead of putting the change in their hands, the cashier puts the change on the counter? i know it sounds 'crazy' but it's not! that's what i thought the first time a friend told me this; but when you pay attention to the little things there's a lot there! and it reflects the changing times; you don't see burning crosses on the front lawn these days! no moron could miss that, but it's really easy to overlook the subtle 'nicer' forms of racism.

Or perhaps you're observations are biased... maybe you're noticing and remembering the instances that support your theory. If you were on your cell phone I would have given you a dirty look too. Maybe he didn't want to be ignored or treated like a machine. Maybe he wanted to be smiled at, acknowledged, greeted, etc? I always try to talk to whatever sales rep, customer service rep, cashier, whatever, because they're not just things that perform a function, they're people.

I've noticed countless Armenians, even those that speak English, act like they are the best damn thing in the world and can't be bothered with lowly people and that usually means everyone else. I've noticed many Armenians act that arrogantly and egocentrically. Are my observations biased, probably and that's why I don't draw sweeping conclusions based on them. All I'm saying is that I've seen and observed that.

You observed a behavior... You didn't read his mind. There are MANY possible explanations for it and other posters here have mentioned a few of them. You can't just choose the one you want to believe.

If your pizza delivery guy is late, you shouldn't assume that he's messing around and not doing his job.
If someone cuts you off you shouldn't assume that they did on purpose or because they're a jerk.
Give people the benefit of the doubt sometimes.
People have a very well supported tendency to attribute negative behaviors of others to internal factors and their own to external things. It's called the Actor-Observer Effect (similar to the Fundamental Attribution Error, but more specific).
I failed my exam because the teacher sucks or because i didn't study. He/She failed because they're stupid.
I tripped because the sidewalk is uneven. He/she tripped because they're clumsy.

The thread hasn't outlived it's lifetime when people disagree with you.

I don't think anyone is arguing that the cashier was wrong in his treatment of those customers. They're just saying that it may not be because he's racist.

[xBaron Dants]

Could've been racism, but could've just been feeling annoyed.

I've worked with customers too, and it really is annoying when they don't say hi, or talk to each other in a foreign language. Couple that with a long day at work, and it can be quite irritating.

That is why, like Siggie, I always try to be nice with whoever I have to deal with, when in stores or anywhere else.

[GSTracer05]

Siggie, you're my hero! :)

Or is it heroine?

[Sip]

I was the cashier for one weekend at this computer show where I sold about 8000 tickets all by myself (2 14 hour days) ... getting paid about $6 an hour. I think that was about when I decided I want to do a PhD instead ... and I was right! The PhD was much easier.

[Siggie]

Siggie, you're my hero! :)

Or is it heroine?

Heroine... are you still confused about whether I'm female or male? ;)

[HyeJinx1984]

well, now it's clear to me why so much racism does exist towards armenians, and it's because there's so much denial about it. i don't care what you all believe or 'think'---i know what i saw and i know how this grouchy racist would have reacted had there been two anglo customers in front of him; he greeted me but he totally ignored these people in front of me! now, for all the 'smart' ones out there, i am NOT contradicting myself here! he greeted me 'cuz he saw the look on my face and how vigilant and observant i was! had i gotten on my cell and started talking in armenian he would have given me the same crappy dis-service.

these days racism and prejudice are usually so subtle that you almost got to look for it to see it!

i.e. have you ever noticed how physical contact is avoided with certain races when dealing with money? instead of putting the change in their hands, the cashier puts the change on the counter? i know it sounds 'crazy' but it's not! that's what i thought the first time a friend told me this; but when you pay attention to the little things there's a lot there! and it reflects the changing times; you don't see burning crosses on the front lawn these days! no moron could miss that, but it's really easy to overlook the subtle 'nicer' forms of racism.

I know racism exists more than anyone else. Because I don't look Armenian (apparently..) people tend to speak freely around me, the same people who would watch what they say around Armenians. The cash register guy isn't necessarily racist, but the people who are around you and never say a word might be.

Rule 1) keep all Non-Armenians at arm's length
Rule 2) keep all Armenians behind bullet proof glass

[NarEkoO]

what a jabrony:D

[nunechka]

i also dont think its racism, it looks like a clear case of "i hate my job, they dont pay me enough to care, and i want to go home"

but you know, sometimes people are annoyed at someone else, or something else and they bring their feelings into work with them. it may have seemed it was racist because the armenians were talking to each other in armenian, but it realy didnt seem that compeling...

So lets say two mexicans were in an armenian store and they were in the exact same situation, what do you think the armenian cashier would've done?

I think since we are Armenian, we are sensitive when it comes to other Armenians, we care more about them and we dont want anyone to look at them with a crooked eye, but the reality of the matter is that, we are racist more then anyone else, and so what, they can think whatever they want, they can kiss my ass, and i bet they feel the same way too...

thats the beauty of this country...

as for this story, it was a clear case of job hatred.

[Crimson Glow]

You must be seeing something that's not there.

Kinda' like the incident in the store. :laugh:

Seriously, I don't see how anything she said is rude or nasty. She didn't say anything any differently then anyone else. She just went into more detail about it. It's easy to bend and twist your interpretations to fit the mind's bias. Not just on this, but anything in life.

I have felt like that cashier did countless times. Like "hey jackass, there's a world going on around you. Stop being oblivious to it, and thinking you're on your own little planet". People that talk to each other or on their phones while you're ringing them up should be shot. Have the courtesy to save your conversations till you leave. I don't know how many times I've been in the middle of a futile explaination of a supplement to a braindead, obtuse f*ck, when his/her cell phone rings, and he/she just nonchalantly answers it. HELLO!? Retard, what are you doing?? I usually just walk away and make them chase me down to continue. I have better things to do on my time then wait for you to deal with your personal matters.

So...quite frankly, Armenian or not, I would have slapped the sh*t out of those guys myself. They were the ones being rude, self absorbed, and inconsiderate of others around them in the first place, which in turn made the cashier irate. But you're ignoring everything that you said you saw, and focusing in on one factor: They were Armenian.